Daring charity skydive to fulfil lifelong dream for Alan

A COURAGEOUS cerebral palsy sufferer is to realise a lifelong dream to complete a parachute jump.

Alan Hurst, 38, also hopes his two-mile high charity jump will raise funds for a new bus for a Cheshire Home in Co Dublin.

Assisted by a tandem manager from the Falcons Parachute Club in Hacketstown, Co Carlow, Alan will complete the 10,000 feet jump in just over five minutes.

"With limited mobility in his hands and legs, it's a very daring feat," said Georgina Byran, recreational facilitator at the Richmond Park, Monkstown-based home. "He has great willpower and is determined to lead as normal a life as possible despite his disabilities," she said.

Alan, unable to walk or talk, was given the thumbs up by medical advisers to undertake the jump on September 1.

Within ten seconds of the jump, the downward speed will accelerate to 180 mph before a freefall of 30 seconds and a five-minute parachute glide to the ground.

"The idea of a parachute jump appealed to Alan from an early age after he visited friends in England," Ms Byran said. "We are seeking sponsorship for his jump with any excess funding used to aid the purchase of a new bus which is badly needed for the home for recreational purposes."

Alan communicates with the help of a bliss board a device whereby he can point out words on a panel to express himself but he recently attended a Trinity College Dublin course on communications using assisted technology.

Alan is one of 30 residents at Richmond Cheshire House, a non-profit making organisation providing round-the-clock accommodation and services for people with disabilities.

Donations to Alan's charity parachute jump event can be made through an AIB Dun Laoghaire account: (sorting code 93-34-06) 66060130.